How to deal with the challenges of life?
It is said that “the only constant in life is the change.” Thus every now and then we have to meet all kinds of new challenges, surprises and unexpected events. At every stage of life we have to face new/different challenges and we always have to deal with them whether we are prepared or not, understand them or not. The best example in this regard is that of our first day at our school. Our first day at school was a unique new experience for us and we were totally clueless and dumb as what to do in the class room and how to deal with all the new faces including that of the teachers and our class mates to boot. Can you remember that what was your reaction and strategy in that shockingly new environment? If you can recall that moment, you have more than half the answer already with you.
When you don’t know what to do, your brain functions more efficiently and you, by using your intuitive power, can solve the riddle.
Following quote of the the great Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist Khalil Gibran (who is also considered a philosopher but is said to have rejected the title), helps further expand our insights:
Keep in mind that You never have a ready made solution for every problem or situation as there is no certainty in life. Life is never stagnant, but always changing. It is like a flowing river and every moment there is another river and you never step in the same river twice.
In life, everyone faces such moments that can’t find an escape route.
Perhaps everyone goes to grave with such moments clung tightly to himself/herself. Even if you want to, you just can’t do it. And every such moment leaves you with a quest. A quest that only you can perform and have to perform all alone.
However, if you have faith and believe in the power of your imagination then you shall always find some way out.
The moment you begin to walk along , you shall soon be able to recognize the path. But path never comes to you before you start your journey. Each stone, each bend cries welcome to you, once you start walking on your path.
Remember that wise man is never sure about the next moment but he has faith that whatever comes is never without any purpose. Actually our mind has a habit of thinking too much and we have to change that habit. When you are calm, possessing inner peace, emotional detachment and inner strength, external or unexpected events, situations lose their power over you, you stop getting agitated and losing your composure, when surprises enter your life, and also when you face unexpected situations.
How difficult and perplexed the situation, there is always a way of overcoming it. In our journey of life there are always the moments and difficulties that we had never reckoned with. If we wait for the ideal moment, we will never set off. Sometimes, one requires a touch of madness too to take a new step. And one also has to act with a touch of madness — in both love and war — as it is impossible to foresee everything.
In short, every challenge is, in fact, an opportunity in disguise to help you learn, grow and become stronger than ever. Therefore never react in hurry, never panic because if you panic or overreact, you may also lose control of yourself and it will prove more destructive than constructive.
Trying to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity will inevitably pay dividends. Remember that “ a diamond is also a chunk of coal that did well under pressure.”
Therefore, we are shaped and molded by people and circumstances we face and the way we change due to the teachings of the life. Just the way pressure is needed to transform a piece of coal into a diamond, we also require pressure for our transformation.
Last, but not the least, seek help when it makes sense and ask for a second opinion if you’re unsure. It’s okay to need help and ask for it. Sensible people know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. In fact, when people can’t admit and accept their weaknesses, that lack of humility actually becomes an obstacle, which hinders progress and success.
A word of warning, however: it’s best not to go blaming people for the problems you find yourself in, because blaming people will take your power to change and thus solve the problem. When you blame others, you are finding a way to dodge your own healing and ability to change and grow more powerful in your own love and self. Moreover, you can blame people for your problems, but you can’t force them to solve these problems. And isn’t it stupid to expect people to solve your problems who created them in the first place?
